Forrest targets place amongst last 32 seeds

HE may rate the dramatic last-gasp win over Lazio in Rome as one of the finest of his long and trophyladen Celtic career, but James Forrest has no intentions of basking in the afterglow of the historic victory for long.

Forrest contributed massively to the result in the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening; his stunning goal eight minutes before half-time got the visitors back on level terms at a crucial stage in the match.

But the winger, who celebrated with his team-mates in front of the 9,000-strong travelling support after a 2-1 triumph that ended their winless run on Italian soil and secured a place in the last 32 of the Europa League with two group games remaining, wants more.

He has targeted top spot in Group E and a place among the 16 seeded teams in the draw for the knockout rounds on December 16. Forrest is positive his manager Neil Lennon is of the same mind and will treat their remaining games – against Rennes at Parkhead later this month and Cluj away in Romania next month – seriously.

“To qualify after just four games is unbelievable,” he said. “But we all want to make sure that we top the group now. That will help us going into the last 32 in the new year so it is important. The manager will want to finish on a high and I’m sure he will field strong teams.”

The 28-year-old, who signed a new four year contract tying him to Celtic until 2023 last month, was still struggling to wipe the smile off his face yesterday as he reflected on events in the Eternal City.

“It’s right up there with my best wins for Celtic,” he said. “To go to Rome and beat Lazio in that stadium? It was an unbelievable feeling. You don’t get much better than that.”